Over the week, I stumbled across information on the RCGroups forum about Doculam, a laminating material that a few people are using for covering. It's supposedly stronger than covering material, it does not wrinkle in the sun, and it even accepts paint very well. Seems too good to be true! Here is a thread about it, where someone covered a Stuka in the stuff and then painted in to a very nice finish.

http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=274520

I was wondering if anyone else is using this stuff for warbirds. It seems like it might be lighter than fiberglass and easier to apply, while giving a similar painted appearance. I'm just as unfamiliar with Doculam as I am with fiberglass, so maybe I'm way off. Thanks in advance for any input.

OK, I've read about 1/2 of the 30 or so pages. It sounds like many are using it over framework, rather than sheeted surfaces. My interest would be covering sheeted surfaces (rather than fiberglassing). So am I understanding this correctly: when properly applied over sheeted balsa surfaces, it absolutely will not bubble when exposed to sunlite, NOR bubble and/ or wrinlkle under any normal condition (long storage, exposure to different temps, etc.)?

All those pages and VERY few pics of completed models, so I gotta ask.

I am considering using this (maybe the 1.5 mil version) for covering the outer wings on my Top Flite Corsair, then 'glassing the inner section, with 'glass overlapping the Doculam (right about where the outer panels are joined to the inner), and sanding the 'glass smooth/ flush with the Doculam. Whadaya think? Anybody tried this on a warbird?

Here are some of the suppliers that I found (for U.S./ Canada):
http://www.laminatorwarehouse.com/laminating_film.shtml
http://www.manzanolaser.com/id57.html
http://kalteisen.com/products.html
http://www.modelairtech.com/electronics.html

I have used it on small electric models. It is decent stuff but a little different to work with then monokote. It will only shrink so far then it's done. While this makes it great as you have a hard time burning a hole in it with your heat gun you also need to make sure when you put it on that you don't leave too much slack on it or you will have a forever wrinkle in it you cannot get out. However it is also true that it does not sag in the heat and sun.

You can paint it but you do need to prep it well. You need to scuff it and prime it quite well or the pain will flake off with masking tape or any abrasion.

As far as overlapping a seam with glass and sanding smooth that could be done but this stuff is thin. Also keep in mind the rolls are not as wide as monokote. Usually they are about 18" wide but about 250 yards long. So keep that in mind when planning your project.

Alrighty then, I just ordered 9 yards (18" wide) for $15 shipped: hopefully I'll be able to try it out next weekend.
http://www.manzanolaser.com/id57.html